Star Wars Quotes for The (Continued) Resistance

If you know me, you know I’m a bit of a Star Wars fan…to put it mildly. My obsession really only started in earnest last year, but as I watch the movies and read many of the books, I keep thinking how apt the stories are for our current social and political climate. The rise of the Imperial Empire, the destruction of the Galactic Senate and the takeover by a megalomaniac dictator, and a fledgling rebellion/resistance. Sometimes I get confused about whether they’re talking about 2017, or a galaxy far, far away.

I’m a sucker for a good quote, and there are so many good Star Wars quotes—from the books and movies—that are pretty appropriate for where we are. It’s so important to practice self-care, and for me, the world of Star Wars is part of my self-care. Reading the books not only allows me to escape whatever is bothering me at the moment, but also provides me with hope and encouragement. Especially with The Last Jedi coming out on the 15th, here are some quotes that have felt especially true lately, and Star Wars quotes that will help fill your soul when you feel a bit drained.

“I also want you to know that not everyone is courageous enough to stand up to the Empire, and those people, who we call collaborators, are just as bad as the Empire is. They may be even worse, because they should know better.” —Wil Wheaton, “Laina,” in Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View

“When the people with authority don’t have to answer to citizens of the galaxy, the result is tyranny.” —Claudia Gray, Bloodline

“The Empire was far beyond subtle politicking now; they were desperate to crush the Rebellion, and desperate animals were always the most dangerous.” —Madeleine Roux, “Eclipse,” in Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View

“That’s the problem with indoctrination—the whole point of the First Order’s kind of education is to stop someone from thinking and instead kick their emotions into gear. Make them hate everything else so they’ll cling to what you give them. It’s hard to think for yourself when fear and anger are driving the shuttle.” —Delilah S. Dawson, Phasma

“A tyrant can make anything seem to be ‘the will of the people.’” —Claudia Gray, Bloodline

“What do you know? We don’t all have the luxury of deciding when and where we want to care about something. Suddenly the Rebellion is real for you? Now that you’ve got a stake in it, and—and—now that you don’t have another life to go back to? Some of us live this Rebellion.” —Alexander Freed, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

“Great evil can only be fought by the strong. People need spiritual fuel as much as they need food, water, and air. Happiness, love, joy, hope—these are the emotions that give us the strength to do what we need to do.” —Claudia Gray, Leia: Princess of Alderaan

“Strike me down, and I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine.” —Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars IV: A New Hope